George E. (Gerry) Hudson, professor of political science and director of Russian Studies at Wittenberg University received the highest recognition bestowed on its faculty today when he was granted the 2002 Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching at the university's Honors Convocation in Weaver Chapel. Hudson has had plenty of practice to earn such high praise from his students, he joined the faculty in 1972.

The teaching award, established in 1960, recognizes the superior classroom teaching of senior, full-time faculty members and includes a $2,000 stipend. Alumni, current students, faculty and staff submit nominations annually for this honor with the recipient selected by a committee comprised of alumni, student leaders and former Distinguished Teaching Award winners. Hudson's students say he exemplifies the qualities of a teacher, scholar and many refer to him as a friend.

One alumna shares her thoughts about professor Hudson, "His most wonderful gift is his interest in and support of his students on a lifelong basis - he stays in touch and is always caring. He sets the highest standard of dedication and scholarship."

Students concur that Hudson's teaching style is a cut above, "he's a great teacher, very up-to-date on current events and he has a great ability to connect the class with the material." One student points out that his enthusiasm about the coursework is very impressive, "even at 8 a.m.!"

A native of Washington, D.C., Hudson attended high school in New Jersey and obtained his bachelor's and master's at the University of Colorado and his doctorate at Indiana University. Among his many awards have been a Senior Fulbright Fellowship, which he took in Russia in 1995-96, a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship and a National Science Foundation National Needs Fellowship. He has been advisor to the Department of Defense and a consultant to the National Security Council and he has written extensively on the Soviet Union and its military policies.

One of the nominators said of him, "Dr. Hudson is one of the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable, organized and open faculty I have encountered at Wittenberg. I do not think I could have learned more. He is an excellent teacher and mentor."

Hudson resides in Springfield with his wife Anne and they have two grown sons, David and Theodore.